This is a great track off of Toto’s self-titled debut album from 1978. This song has Steve Lukather singing lead vocals with Cheryl Lynn singing backup. You might remember Cheryl Lynn from her hit song “Got To Be Real.” This album was a great opening release for Toto. It had good success on the charts, and they quickly gained a large following. The album itself hit number 9 on the U.S. Billboard 200.

It’s no surprise why everyone loved this tune. If you put this many great players in a room together, you’re bound to make something incredible. Take a look at the list below.

Steve Lukather (huge session player) – Guitar/Vocals

David Paich (son of the great jazz arranger Marty Paich) – Piano

Steve Pocaro (brother of Jeff) – Keys

Jeff Pocaro (son of famous percussionist Joe Pocaro) – Drums

David Hungate – Bass

Jim Horn – Saxophones/Wind Instruments

Chuck Findley – Horns

Lenny Castro – Congas

Fun Fact: The Pocaro brothers, Lukather and David Paich, all went to the same Los Angeles high school. Toto was formed by these friends and others who were in the LA session world. Many of Toto’s members were already playing together while they were backing Boz Scaggs on his tour and album Silk Degrees.

Jeff Fact: Jeff Pocaro is one of the greatest drummers out there. He played on thousands of sessions and hundreds of songs and still tragically died at the age of 38. He played on Michael McDonald’s “I Keep Forgettin,’” “Mother” by Pink Floyd, “Beat It” by Michael Jackson, and “Gaucho” by Steely Dan, to name a few. Pocaro knew his stuff. He was aware of what came before him and wasn’t afraid to borrow and expand upon others before him. When talking about the drum groove for this song, he said this:

“It’s imitating Paul Humphrey heavily; it’s imitating Earl Palmer very heavily. When it comes to that groove, my biggest influences were Paul Humphrey, Ed Greene, Earl Palmer, and the godfather of that 16th-note groove, James Gadson. That “Georgy Porgy” groove I owe to them.”

Sword Fact: Jeff Porcaro said that Philip Garris, the man known for creating many of the Grateful Dead album covers, conceived the album’s sword emblem after listening to a lyric from the song “Manuela Run” saying, “Don’t look now… You better watch that sword that’s hanging over you,” which is referencing the Sword of Damocles. He said the sword also represents the band’s strong and powerful sound that is as versatile as a double-edged sword.

My Listening Tips/Thoughts: I love the slight fade in on at the top of the tune. Also take a listen to the congas filling tiny gaps here and there. Great feel by Lenny Castro. My favorite part of this tune is the break after Cheryl sings each time. No drum fill the first time, just one hit. The space makes me smile every time (1:52 & 4:00). They end the song fantastically too. Same hits with no response this time. Honestly, I feel like you can listen to this song 20 times and hear new things each time.

Hope you enjoy!

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It’s not your situation
I just need contemplation over you
I’m not so systematic
It’s just that I’m an addict for your love

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I’m not the only one that holds you
I never ever should have told you
You’re my only girl
I’m not the only one that holds you
I never ever should have told you
You’re my only world

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My name is Michael Sanchez and I’m an avid record collector and obscure song searcher. My goal is to post one song a day that’s been on my stereo/turntable frequently. If you don’t like the song… too bad 🙂 You can just wait for the next one. All the info I find is from wikipedia/youtube/interviews/news articles/personal stories I’ve heard/random googling. Sorry if there are any mistakes 🙂

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